Let’s Think Global, Utah!

Thank you all for the overwhelmingly warm embrace on my next career move to World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) . I deeply appreciate your support and encouragement on my new endeavor, as it’s an exciting new frontier for me. Many folks have asked me why I chose to join WTC Utah, and how will I continue to help the #startup ecosystem in my new role? Well, I’m happy to share my story with you.

The first "rocket ship" that launched my career was in the enterprise software space, out of Silicon Valley around 20 years ago! That environment shaped my work style and growth expectations. Silicon Valley was a global hub of talent, funding, and opportunities, encouraged big thinking and meaningful disruption as a standard for innovators, where addressing global needs or major industries was fundamental.

One of the enterprise software startups that I joined early in its formation, aimed for global growth. We open sourced our software language pack, hoping a multi-lingual developer would translate it. Overnight, we got 3 translations, showing us global reach and participation was possible. Soon, we worked with partners worldwide to adapt our software for local markets. A few years later, we opened our first international office in Ireland, significantly acelerating our company's trajectory.

As a software company, expanding internationally presented challenges. We encountered situations that required us to react by engaging top accounting and legal firms worldwide to safeguard our innovation, finances, trademarks, customers, and mission. It would have been beneficial to have a trusted advisor and local experts worldwide who could have offered international guidance during these growing pains.

Over the past decade, I've focused on supporting early-stage companies in Utah, helping build strong businesses with solid fundamentals. Now, it's time to accelerate their growth by expanding globally by offering advisory, exposure, and connections that can put many companies on the same trajectory, yet protect them from avoidable mistakes.

Utah has done a great job on helping companies radically grow and change their trajectories by accessing other countries, and now, I get to accelerate these outcomes by working at WTC Utah.

Outside of the obvious reasons on why international growth is important for startups to pursue such as revenue growth and resource diversification, it’s important to remember that international trade benefits the local economy, creates long-term diversification and stability, and cultural enrichment. It’s also a great way to recognize Utah’s amazing people, products, and services globally.

WTC Utah helps Utah companies increase revenue and create jobs by expanding international sales, attracting foreign investment, and facilitating international partnerships. Our programs, services, and global network become that trusted and experienced advisor to help startups and ready-to-scale businesses succeed on a global level.

We assist Utah companies in discovering new markets and securing additional capital. Our services, including free consultations and analytical reports, are designed to identify global opportunities and prioritize those that align with your business goals. Our team supports you in developing, evaluating, and implementing market entry strategies, while also helping you anticipate and overcome challenges. For companies aiming to diversify their supply chain, WTC Utah provides complimentary optimization services. Additionally, we offer logistics and shipping guidance, as well as mentorship for enhancing global logistics management.

At our core, we help small businesses assess and test new market expansion. We are a trusted allocator of the SBA State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant. This is a cost-reimbursement grant program for small businesses looking to expand into dynamic global markets, covering activities such as attending international trade missions and trade shows, shipment and sample product fees, IP protection, and compliance testing, marketing material, localization, and tuition support for training programs.

We also are a trusted partner with the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), WTC Utah is proud to offer Utah businesses the opportunity to attend state-hosted trade shows, missions and business trips. These outbound travel opportunities provide companies the chance to make long-lasting connections with key trade networks, meet new customers, sell products, and more.

Our team at WTC Utah hosts many education and networking events where global delegations come to Utah to learn more about our business, trade, investment, and commerce opportunities. There’s several opportunities that Utah companies can learn and gain helpful exposure through our programs, trade missions, business trips, and trade shows. Additionally, we have an outstanding board of directors and global advisory board that have grown their business and aperture to be global, and are there for you as well.

All of these resources are very helpful for companies that want to go big, because planning ahead and building a trusted network of experts for guidance will save time and avoid mistakes. I am honored to be a part of this team and I cordially extend WTC Utah’s services to you!

Here’s a few helpful WTC Utah resources:?

1. Upcoming WTC Utah events
2. SBA STEP grant information and open application
3. WTC services inquiry
4. WTC Utah’s LinkedIn page
5. WTC Utah’s YouTube channel
6. Meet our global advisory board

And so, here begins my next efforts on Utah servitude. Let's go global, and make Utah the Crossroads of the World.